Exercises and Pieces from

Mel Bay's Banjo Method
C-Tuning - Concert Style
by Frank Bradbury

The book by Frank Bradbury is the only currently-published tutor for the classic-banjo style. Bradbury was one of the leading classic and plectrum banjo performers of the 20th century. It should be available from any music store which carries Mel Bay publications, such as Eagle Music in England and Mel Bay in the USA.

Many students find the lack of TAB in the book a real drawback, likewise the absence of an accompanying CD of recorded performances. Well, although I do use TAB, I - like most classic-banjo players - do not depend on it, and Bradbury's book is a great way in to learning to read banjo music in standard notation. I do think, though, that hearing the exercises and tunes can help beginners tremendously, so I present below a random selection of mp3 files.

Any questions or comments, please contact me robmackillopATgmailDOTcom

Now, purchase the book and get to work!

Page 10 Exercise 2

Page 10 Exercise 3

Page 11 Exercise using Notes on the G and B strings

Page 12 Exercise 5

Page 12 Exercise 6

Page 12 The First Waltz

Page 14 Three String Chords (C Major)

Page 14 Accompaniment Style Chords (With Bass Notes)

Page 15 The Merry Campers Polka - Slow

Page 15 The Merry Campers Polka - Fast

Page 16 Study Using 16th Notes

Page 16 Pop-Corn

Page 18 The Daily Double - Slow

Page 18 The Daily Double - Fast

Page 19 On The G or 3rd String

Page 20 Exercise in 3rds

Page 21 Continued Bar position Work

Page 25 Pyjama Dance (with Trio) - Slow

Page 25 Pyjama Dance (with Trio) - Fast

Page 28 Exercise

Page 29 Mountain Polka - Slow

Page 29 Mountain Polka - Fast

Page 30 Mountain Polka Accompaniment - Slow

Page 30 Mountain Polka Accompaniment - Fast

Page 31 The Golden Slippers

Page 31 Continued Right Hand Practice

Page 32 The Cotton Club - Slow

Page 32 The Cotton Club - Fast

Page 33 The 7th Position - Slow

Page 33 The 7th Position - Fast

Page 36 Sidewalks Of New York

Page 39 The Caissons Go Rolling By

Page 41 Banjo Jubilee

Page 43 Belle Of The Ozarks

Page 47 Old Kentucky Home

Page 50 Susan's Waltz

Page 51 Spanish Fandango

Page 59 Gauchos Galopade

Page 63 Home On The Range

Page 67 Norwegian Folk Dance

Page 68 Sailor's Refrain

Page 72 Banjo Caprice

Page 73 Alabama Moon

Page 78 Banjo Mosaic

Page 82 Old Virginia

Page 85 Waltz Melody

Page 86 Yankee Clipper

Page 88 Kentucky Medley

Page 92 Green Sleeves

Page 93 After The Ball

Page 94 Dance Morisco

Page 99 Marines Hymn

Page 102 Ballad in Eb

Page 104 Hilo

Page 112 California

Page 123 The Happy Farmer

Page 124 In Old Vienna

Page 128 Brahms Waltz


www.ClassicBanjoRM.com